Nursing Research
Major Achievements:
- Implementation of the volunteer companion-observer falls intervention program (commenced 2003)
This program introduced volunteer companion-observers to the aged care ward where the incidence of elderly patients falling was high. In the first year falls were reduced by 44% on the aged care ward. Continuing on from this successful program upper body strengthening movements were incorporated (2005) leading to a 45% reduction in falls over 2 years.
- Nurse-led implementation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as day surgery procedure at STG. Day surgery models of care implemented: individual nurse caring for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and herniorrhaphy patients pre-operatively to discharge follow-up. Information pamphlet developed.
Important Current and Future Research:
Recently completed nursing research has found a significant relationship between frequency of patient interdepartmental transfers and the incidence of hospital-acquired staphylococcal infections including MRSA. (Blay N, Quoyle C & Curd S.) (unpublished).
Recent Publications
Donoghue J, Graham J, Mitten-Lewis S, Murphy M, Gibbs J. (2005) A volunteer companion-observer intervention reduces falls on an acute aged care ward; International Jnl Health Care Quality Assurance; 18(1):24-31.Winner ACHS award (2004)
Donoghue J, Blay N, Mitten-Lewis S. (2002) Using clinical information to support the provision of Day Surgery Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a public hospital in NSW; Day Surgery Australia; 1(3):3-6.
Blay N, Donoghue J (2005) The effect of Pre-admission Education on Patient Management of domiciliary recovery following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing; 22(4):14-
